steering column help??

[Alan Potter]

The steering wheel on my '67 has some play in it, side to side and up and down. I replaced the upper bearing in the column since it seemed that was where the problem was coming from but it's not any better. Any suggestions as to what I should try next?? AP

[Alan Potter]

ttt

[Bob Moore]

Is the steering wheel tight on the shaft? Do you have a washer (spacer) under the nut? Does the shaft move or just the wheel wobble? It doesn't take much loosness to seem like a lot due to the leverage of the wheel.

Good luck - Bob

[Alan Potter]

The steering wheel is tight to the shaft and I do have a washer under the nut. The shaft is moving within the upper bearing, so I replaced it, thinking it was worn out, but that has not helped. The movement in the shaft seems to be more than normal, but I'm stumped as to what to do to remedy it. Does your '67 have any play in the column?? Maybe this is normal, but I don't really think so. Maybe someone would have a picture from a manual showing a diagram of the column parts to see if I'm missing something. Thanks. AP

[Bob Moore]

Alan - It was worth a try. No my 67 is tight because I put a tilt in. Did you replace the bearing or the whole plate thingy? Are the 3 screws tight that hold down the retainer?

[Alan Potter]

The bearing that I replaced didn't require me to remove any screws. I just removed the steering wheel and slid the rotating horn ring off, which exposed the bearing. The bearing then easily popped out of the turn signal switch. I did see the 3 screws at that point and they are tight.

[70rs/ss]

you need to pull the whole column down and inspect it. There are a couple of places that could be flared out that woulc cause excess looseness. The area where the bearing that you replaced sits is where I'd start and go from there. Pulling the column is the easiest way and then you can disassemble, clean, and lube everything while you are at it. Generally speaking the bearing do not support the shaft, rather they allow smooth turning of the wheel so look more towards the bushings. Take it apart and it will make more sense.

[Alan Potter]

70rs/ss Ok, I'll give that a try, does replacing the bushings require the column to be removed from the truck?? Who sells these, I'm not familiar with them??

[70rs/ss]

Again, it is easier. the shaft will come out of the column and then all of the wear parts are easier to get at. I think any of the vendors on this board sell a refurb kit for the column. I am trying to recall if it is a bushing, I had my 68 apart about a year ago to free up the three on the tree linkage and refurbed the column while I was there. Like I said take it apart then it will become clear what the problem is. I know the bearings are loose and sometimes fall out of the race, so even though you put a new one in there the balls may have falen out? I am just trying to offer all the advice, but you will know what is up and needs replacing once you pull the shaft out of the column and see everything.

[john]

Here is a pic that might help. Item # 18 & 19 are lower brg and tension spring. You might check lower end and see if the spring has tension on the lower brg. When the strg wheel nut is tightened it should take the slack out of the brg unless there is another prob such as the lower brg needing replacement also. John

[Wrenchbender Ret]

They are right. You need to remove the column & repair the lower end. The lower bearing floats on the shaft & the spring takes up the slack. After time the bearing gets stuck on the shaft. A few years ago these parts were still available from GM.

[Alan Potter]

Thanks for the advice fellas. I do appreciate it. I'll give your suggestions a try. John, that diagram is just what I was looking for. Thanks again!! AP

[john]

Alan one other thing to look at is the horn ring. I think the std column uses the one on the right with the tapered bottom to fit the brg. John

[Alan Potter]

Originally Posted by john

Alan one other thing to look at is the horn ring. I think the std column uses the one on the right with the tapered bottom to fit the brg. John

John, the one on the right is exactly what mine looks like. I gonna tear into tomorrow or Saturday and see what I can figure out. Thanks again! AP